The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) is calling the attention of the Muntinlupa City and national governments and the public to the demolition of urban poor homes in the Acero, Immaculate Conception and Sto. Niño communities of Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City yesterday, September 8, by a demolition team assisted by Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Prevention personnel.

According to reports from alternative online publication Manila Today, community residents, including more than 74 families in Acero, set up a barricade and resisted the demolition, indicating wrongful court decisions and possible failures in negotiations as regards dispute resolution and possible relocation of existing residents.

The residents also filed a motion for reconsideration against the demolition on September 5. They presented the documents that they submitted to the courts to the police sheriff leading the PNP personnel assisting the demolition team but the sheriff disregarded these.

One Francis Ramil Areglado, allegedly responsible for broadcasting the demolition on Facebook Live, was mauled and beaten by members of the demolition team at 10:45 pm of September 7. Areglado was brought to the Cupang barangay hall and coerced to sign a document stating that he will not file charges against those who caused him physical injuries.

We condemn the demolition of urban poor communities in Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City. The violent demolition shows indications of violations of residents’ right to housing and due process. We also condemn the mauling of Areglado who has every right to show on Facebook Live what was happening in the community. Areglado’s right to freedom of expression was clearly violated by the demolition team.

The community residents who were subjected to demolition are among the urban poor, among the poorest of the poor Filipinos. The government should ensure that their situation in life is alleviated and improved, not worsened by adding brutalization and eviction. The demolition of urban poor homes provides a striking contrast to the kid-glove treatment being given by the government to wealthy contractors and politicians involved in flood control anomalies currently being investigated in the Senate.

We are calling on Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon and national government authorities to look into the September 8 demolition of urban poor communities in Muntinlupa City. They should seek a peaceful and just resolution of the land dispute that upholds the fundamental rights of the urban poor. Those responsible for harming Mr. Areglado should be held accountable and he should be protected from any possible reprisal.